Blood collection severely disrupted by Hurricane Helene, with further threats from Hurricane Milton
The American Red Cross of Utah calls on residents to donate blood, particularly platelets, to ensure patients in areas affected by Hurricane Helene and those under threat from Hurricane Milton have access to lifesaving supplies. Recent hurricanes have led to the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives in Southeastern states, resulting in over 2,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations.
“The extensive damage from Hurricane Helene has severely impacted blood donation centers, increasing the need for blood and platelets,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “While we typically do not service hospitals in Florida, the American Red Cross is prepared to offer additional support through the AABB Task Force for Disaster Response.”
The task force includes representatives from U.S. blood services and associations, along with governmental liaisons, working to maintain safe and adequate blood inventories during disasters. The American Red Cross has already shipped hundreds of blood products to support Florida hospitals.
Schedule your blood donation today
With Hurricane Milton threatening to further strain the blood supply, donations are critically important. The storm poses a significant threat to the Tampa Bay area, home to over 3.3 million residents. Blood transfusions are vital for many with urgent medical needs and donations in the Southeast are crucial for maintaining national blood supply levels.
As a major contributor to the national blood supply, the Red Cross provides approximately 40% of all blood collected, serving over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. To meet ongoing patient needs, the Red Cross must collect around 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. Nearly 45 hospitals in Utah depend on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
Donors can easily schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All who come to give Oct. 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.
Support disaster relief efforts
Trained disaster volunteers from the Red Cross of Utah are aiding recovery efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Helene, with additional volunteers in Florida ready to assist post-Hurricane Milton. Community members can support these efforts through donations, which help the Red Cross prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. To donate, visit redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or text REDCROSS to 90999.
Prospective volunteers should sign up at redcross.org/volunteer. Candidates must complete required training and commit to a two-week deployment. Those without disaster experience but with skills in supervision, management, or organization, and a strong desire to help, are encouraged to sign up.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
